Photo requirements
US Passport 2x2 inch (51х51 mm)
A guide to U.S. passport photographs: compare paper applications with online renewal, prepare an unaltered portrait and check the instructions for your submission route.
- Printed size
- 51 × 51 mm (printed)
- Background
- White or off-white
- Official reference
- U.S. Department of State
Glasses: remove them unless medically necessary
Remove glasses before taking the photo. If medical reasons prevent removal, include a signed doctor’s note with the application. Do not treat clear lenses as an automatic exception.
Make this photo now
Use the selected format in the passport photo tool.
Photo requirements
Photo specification
Use these values as a preparation guide and confirm current official instructions.
| Printed size | 51 × 51 mm (printed) |
|---|---|
| Digital dimensions | Check the application channel below |
| Background | White or off-white |
| Head height | 25–35 mm |
| File and resolution | Check the application channel below |
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More photo requirements for United States
- US Citizenship (naturalization) 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
- USA CCHI ID badge 3x3 inch
- US Employment Authorization 2x2 inch (51x51 mm)
- USA bar examination online 300x300 pixels
- USA FOID 1.25x1.5 inch
- US NY MTA Metrocard for Seniors - 38.1x50.8 mm
- US NFA ATF form 2x2 inch
- USA Nursing License 2x2 inch
- US NY Gun License 1.5x1.5 inch
- USA PADI certification card 45x57 mm (1.75x2.25 inch)
- USA SAT 2x2 inch
- US Veteran ID Card 2x2 inch
- USA welding certificate 2x2 inch
- US passport card 2x2 inch
- US Green Card (Permanent Resident) 2x2"
- USA advance parole 2x2 inch
- USA crew visa 2x2 inch
- US Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery - 600x600 px
- USA Form I-130 2x2 inch
- USA Re-entry Permit 2x2 inch
- USCIS 2x2 inch
- US Visa 2x2 inch (600x600 px, 51x51mm)
Paper application or online renewal?
Select the correct workflow before exporting. Follow the separate official digital-photo instructions for online renewal; do not assume a visa upload preset also works for a passport.
Keep the original file. Compare the final crop with it and inspect the face at full size before submission. A successful download is not an acceptance decision.
Lighting: a practical retake decision
Teaching example: the dimensions look right, but the eye sockets are dark under a ceiling lamp. Move to broad, even frontal light and take another photo instead of trying to brighten only the eyes.
Check both cheeks and the background. If one side is still much darker, adjust the light or your position before exporting again. This is a teaching scenario, not a customer rejection record.
Infant positioning without invented exceptions
The child must face the camera with the full face visible; a baby’s eyes need not be entirely open. This does not mean a side-facing pose is acceptable.
Practical setup: prepare the background and camera before positioning the child. Keep another adult nearby for safety, outside the frame; review the result before moving the child.
How to make this photo online
A clear three-step workflow from portrait to application-ready file.
- 1
Choose the format
Confirm the country and application document before uploading.
- 2
Upload a clear portrait
Use even lighting, face the camera and keep the full head visible.
- 3
Review and download
Check the crop and current issuing-authority rules before submission.
Capture checklist
Start with a strong source photo to reduce avoidable application issues.
- Look straight at the camera with a neutral expression
- Use soft, even light and avoid shadows
- Keep eyes open and facial features unobstructed
- Use a recent color photo without filters
- Check glasses and head-covering rules for your application
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about creating and submitting this document photo.
Do the 240 KB visa upload limits apply to online passport renewal?
Do not transfer DS-160 visa limits to passport renewal. Use the separate Department of State digital-photo instructions and the current renewal upload screen.
Can I keep my glasses on for a U.S. passport photo?
Remove glasses unless you cannot do so for medical reasons. In that case, include a signed note from your doctor. Clear prescription lenses alone are not an exemption.
Does a successful tool check guarantee acceptance?
No. A tool check or successful upload is not an official acceptance decision. Keep the original portrait, avoid changing your appearance and retake unsuitable lighting or blur. The receiving authority decides whether the photograph is acceptable.